-
Paraffin being filled in a bottle.
Residents of the Jakaranda informal settlement in Klerksdorp say an expected increase in paraffin prices will place additional strain on already struggling households.
Paraffin prices are expected to rise by more than R10 per litre. Many residents in the area rely on paraffin for cooking and other household needs.
Fifty-nine-year-old Elisa Williams, a mother of five, says she already spends most of her grant money on paraffin.
“We are really struggling to buy paraffin. If the prices increase, then it is going to make matters worse. This means it is going to be difficult for us to cook,” she said.
Local tuckshops currently sell paraffin at around R20 per litre, with some vendors offering smaller quantities due to affordability.
Vendor Vuyisile Ngaba says rising costs are affecting small businesses.
“Paraffin price increase affects us, because we are not able to buy large quantities at the garage. We can’t buy enough paraffin. This means we can only sell half litres to our customers as well. So, this affects us,” said Ngaba.
Residents say the increase will worsen living conditions in the community.
Paraffin price increase to affect the poor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP6op8S5Kxk
